Edinburgh, Tattoo, Fringe Festival, and the Scottish Highlands

Come join us in Scotland!

Overview

Let’s visit Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands during August, a favorite trip, and one we just took last summer. During the month of August, Scotland and the city of Edinburgh present the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, perhaps the most impressive display of hundreds of bagpipes and Scottish dancers you’ll see, all in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Check out the video below.

We’ll also enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe Festival also going on during August. This national party billed as the world’s largest arts festival. Last year there were over 6,000 (that’s not a typo) entries including one-act plays, musical performances in all genres, street performers, and just about every other kind of performance art one can imagine. The fun starts mid-morning and goes until 2 AM the next morning.

Next we’ll head to Inverness by train. From there we’ll journey to Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye seeing castles and national parks along the way.

Highlights

Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood House Palace
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Inverness and the north coast of Scotland
Loch Ness
Cairngorms National Park
Isle of Skye

Day 1 :

Friday - Depart

Depart for overnight flight, arriving in Edinburgh the next morning.

Day 2 :

Saturday: Arrival in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to our hotel, Aparthotel Adagio Royal Mile, directly on the Royal Mile, the center of old Edinburgh. Our hotel is within easy walking distance of both Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Palace of Holyrood House, the queen’s and now the king’s summer residence. Once we unpack, the rest of the day is open for us to explore this fascinating city. In the evening we’ll have a welcome reception followed by a group dinner. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: welcome reception and dinner.

Dinner

Day 3 :

Sunday: Introduction to Edinburgh and the Fringe Festival

After breakfast we’ll have a half-day private guided tour of Old Edinburgh including Holyrood House and Roslyn Chapel. After lunch the balance of the day and evening is time for us to enjoy the Fringe Festival. We may collectively select some acts or venues to enjoy, or travelers are free to pick acts catering specifically to their likes or interests. As we may be separated in different venues, dinner will be on your own. Hundreds of street vendors, popup food spots, and in-venue restaurants will be available. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 :

Monday: Edinburgh, Fringe and the Military Tattoo

In the morning we’ll continue our private tour of Edinburgh Castle, with time to explore the castle on our own after the tour. That evening we will enjoy the Edinburgh Military Tattoo together, one of the most impressive shows I’ve ever seen. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 :

Tuesday: Edinburgh to Inverness

Today we take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness through some of the most picturesque landscapes on earth. We’ll check into our luxurious private vacation home, The Bearnock House in Drumnadrochit. The rest of the day is ours to explore together or on your own. That evening we’ll meet for dinner and music at a local restaurant. Overnight: Inverness. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 :

Wednesday: Castles and Distilleries

Today we visit the magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland. The castle has a fascinating interior, heavenly gardens, and a fabulous falconry display. We will travel to the Glenmorangie Distillery for a tour of one of the world’s most well known malts, perfected by the “Sixteen Men of Tain,” situated on the coast. A visit to the delightful village of Dornoch is next, with its 13th Century cathedral, historic castle hotel, and jailhouse shop; we will even have a chance to learn where the last witch in Scotland was burned to death. Then a drive along bonny Loch Fleet, maybe spotting some of the seals. Overnight: Inverness. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 :

Thursday: Inverness, Loch Ness, and Isle of Skye

A stunning and picturesque day awaits as we drive towards the World Famous Loch Ness for a visit and discussion with our private tour guide. Then on through the Mountain pass of the 5 Sisters of Kintail with its fantastic Glens and high peaks, and onward to the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle. This is one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles and is perched on its own island at the head of Loch Duich. After our guided visit we’ll take the ferry to Isle of Skye where we will stay for two nights at the Hillview Portree House. In the evening we’ll have dinner at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant overlooking the harbor full of fishing boats. Overnight: Isle of Skye. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 :

Friday: Isle of Skye

After breakfast, we will once again meet our guide and travel to the first stop of the day, Neist Point, with its dramatic views and isolated lighthouse. From there we will travel the Jurassic coastline of Trotternish, then onto the Quiraing, known for its wonderful rock formations and stunning coastal views. We’ll take a short drive down the mountain to Kilt Rock and then on to one of the most Iconic natural features of Scotland, the Old Man of Storr. From there its a lazy drive back to Portree where we’ll overnight again. Overnight: Isle of Skye. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 :

Saturday: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh

Today we leave Skye behind and travel over the ferry to the mainland, past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, through the Cairngorms visiting Dunkeld before we reach Edinburgh. That evening we’ll have a farewell dinner at one of Edinburgh’s finest restaurants. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.